When most people think of pest control, they imagine rodents, bed bugs, or cockroaches. But there’s another pest that quietly causes extensive damage to homes and businesses across Metro Vancouver and the Lower Mainland: carpenter ants. These large black ants are more than just a nuisance—they can weaken wooden structures, create satellite colonies, and cost thousands of dollars in repairs if not managed quickly.
If you’re searching for Lower Mainland pest control that truly addresses the risks of carpenter ants, this guide will explain what you need to know, how to identify the problem, and why professional help is the smartest solution.
Why Carpenter Ants Are a Serious Problem
Unlike termites, carpenter ants don’t eat wood for food—but they tunnel through wood to build their nests. Over time, this excavation weakens beams, floors, and structural supports. In the Lower Mainland’s moist environment, damp and decaying wood provides the perfect habitat.
Carpenter ants:
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Create multiple colonies (parent and satellite nests).
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Tunnel through walls, ceilings, and floors undetected.
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Grow colonies numbering in the thousands of ants.
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Cause structural damage that often isn’t noticed until it’s extensive.
Left untreated, carpenter ants can silently compromise your home’s safety and value.
Signs of Carpenter Ant Infestation
Because carpenter ants are excellent at hiding, spotting the early signs is critical:
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Frass (Wood Shavings): Small piles of sawdust-like material near walls, baseboards, or windowsills.
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Nocturnal Activity: Carpenter ants are most active at night. You might hear faint rustling inside walls.
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Winged Ants (Swarmers): Flying ants inside your home indicate a mature colony.
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Trails of Ants: Large black ants moving indoors, especially in kitchens or bathrooms.
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Soft or Damaged Wood: Wood that sounds hollow when tapped can signal internal galleries.
If you notice one or more of these signs, it’s time to act.
Why DIY Carpenter Ant Control Fails
Many homeowners try ant sprays or bait traps, but these often don’t reach the nest. Since carpenter ants build satellite colonies, killing the visible workers doesn’t eliminate the queen or the main colony.
DIY solutions often:
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Drive ants deeper into the structure.
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Kill only a small percentage of the population.
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Fail to locate hidden nests inside walls, floors, or attics.
Professional pest control services don’t just kill surface ants—they find and eliminate the root colony.
Professional Carpenter Ant Control Across the Lower Mainland
At Elite Pest Control, we specialize in identifying and treating carpenter ant infestations across Vancouver, Surrey, Richmond, Burnaby, Delta, Langley, Coquitlam, and beyond.
Our Process Includes:
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Thorough Inspection – We identify entry points, locate nests, and assess damage.
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Targeted Treatments – Using eco-friendly solutions that penetrate colonies.
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Structural Protection – Advice on sealing cracks, replacing damaged wood, and reducing moisture.
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Long-Term Monitoring – Ensuring colonies do not re-establish.
This comprehensive approach ensures lasting results—not just temporary relief.
How to Prevent Carpenter Ant Infestations
Even if you don’t have carpenter ants yet, prevention is key. Here are steps you can take to protect your home or business:
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Eliminate Moisture: Fix leaks, ensure gutters drain properly, and keep basements dry.
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Seal Entry Points: Fill gaps around windows, doors, and foundations.
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Store Firewood Properly: Keep it elevated and away from buildings.
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Trim Vegetation: Prevent branches and shrubs from touching your home.
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Schedule Inspections: Annual pest inspections catch problems early.
By staying proactive, you reduce the risk of costly infestations.
Why Lower Mainland Residents Trust Elite Pest Control
Carpenter ants are one of the most underestimated pests in British Columbia. What sets Elite Pest Control apart is our combination of local expertise and eco-friendly treatments designed for the Lower Mainland’s unique environment.
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Licensed & Insured professionals who know carpenter ant behavior.
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Eco-conscious solutions safe for families, pets, and the environment.
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Service coverage across Vancouver, Surrey, Burnaby, Richmond, Delta, Langley, Abbotsford, and nearby areas.
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Emergency response for severe infestations.
We’re not just here to solve the problem today—we’re here to protect your property for the long term.